Sort and rinse the beans. Cover with water by several inches and soak 8 hours or overnight; or use quick-soak method: cover beans with water, boil 2 minutes, cover pan and let stand for 1 hour. ( Or skip soaking altogether, but add 30 - 60 minutes to the cooking time.)

Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, partly covered (leave lid ajar) until beans are tender, but not mushy, 2-3 hours. Check occasionally to make sure beans aren't getting dry and add more water, if needed. If, near the end of the cooking time (when beans are almost tender), they seem too soupy, leave lid off for the the last 30 minutes or so.